Handgun Reloading Tips

[beerbucksducks]

Makes sense! Thank you.


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[mjcmichigan]

The lee factory crimper works really well. I run it for 38/357/44spl/44mag.

Love Guy’s pictures! You snub nose holster.. same as mine. Love it.


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[5shot]

Crimping also improves ignition with full charges of slow powder, so there are multiple benefits to doing it.

 

[SJB358]

The Lee FCD is amazing. I use it across the board with the 44, 10mm, 9mm, and 480 Ruger. Great piece of gear.

Cool pictures Guy. I have never owned a 357, but man, I outta find one like one of yours, they look like they could be some good fun!

 

[diverdown]

Remember when roll crimping heavy loads for a revolver you have to make sure all the cases are the same length. Roll crimping out of the bullet groove will give you headaches.

 

[beerbucksducks]

Good to know! What’s protocol for crimping bullets without a cannelure or bullet groove?


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[diverdown]

If you are firing warm/hot loads I would suggest always use a bullet that accepts a crimp. For target loads enough crimp to hold the bullet in place from the recoil. My test is to take a loaded round that has been crimped and measure the AOL, then push it against a fixed object to see if you can move it in the case to shorten the AOL. If not your good to go. With Semi autos and warm loads I would use a Lee Factory crimp Die. For target loads I use the same process as above.

 

[beerbucksducks]

Ok, thanks!


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[beerbucksducks]

Here are my first hand loaded handgun rounds (minus my dummy round)! It seemed to go pretty well. Setting up the dies took a little tinkering but I think I have them where they need to be. I seem to be getting a decent crimp with the seater die, but might need a bit more. The rounds shot well but there’s still tiny amount of unburned powder. It seems like the factory loads have a bit also. Is this due to the shorter 3” barrel or should I crimp the rounds a bit more? I really appreciate the input and willingness to help! Here’s the details.
357 magnum
180 Hornady XTP
12.5 grains Lil Gu
Federal Small Magnum Pistol
Federal brass

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[mjcmichigan]

They look great. Have you shot them yet?


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[beerbucksducks]

I did! They shoot about as well as I can with a handgun. I worked up to 13.5 and loaded 30 of them as my woods load. Also ran one into the jugs at 10 yards. Landed in jug 5 and expansion looks pretty good!

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[mjcmichigan]

Excellent and congratulations!


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